As I’m sure we’re all aware, Stihl still makes the 070 in Germany.
The only problem is that there are many fakes, clones, or pretend 070s out there, so when looking to buy one, make sure you know the difference.
One place the 070 is still for sale is the Philippines, and in 2014, Stihl Philippines Importer DMI made a Facebook post sharing how to tell the difference between an imitation 070/MS720 and a real one.
Here’s what they shared.
Knock-Off Stihl 070 Chainsaws
In the Facebook post, they shared:
STIHL warns about imitations and non-compliant chainsaws.
STIHL chainsaw model 070/MS070 is made in GERMANY. Anyone claiming otherwise is selling you a knock-off!
Not in Italy; Not in China. Only from STIHL Germany.
Here are the images they shared with the captions underneath.
Original 070 STIHL chainsaws are all made and assembled in GERMANY.
Left chainsaw powerhead: FAKE
Right chainsaw powerhead: STIHL ORIGINAL
Left chainsaw powerhead: FAKE
Right chainsaw powerhead: STIHL ORIGINAL
Left chainsaw powerhead: FAKE
Right chainsaw powerhead: STIHL ORIGINAL
Left chainsaw powerhead: FAKE
Right chainsaw powerhead: STIHL ORIGINAL
Top chainsaw powerhead: FAKE
Bottom chainsaw powerhead: STIHL ORIGINAL
Prints of the original STIHL chainsaws are crisp and clear – not smudged.
Left chainsaw serial: FAKE
Right chainsaw serial: STIHL ORIGINAL
Left sawchain: FAKE
Right sawchain: STIHL ORIGINAL
Left owner’s manual: FAKE
Right owner’s manual: STIHL ORIGINAL
A look-a-like is nothing alike in performance.
Fake Vs Real Stihl 070
When you see the fake Stihl 070 beside the real one, it’s easy to see the differences.
The fake one has a much poorer finish. Labeling and serial numbers are poorly completed, and everything is clearly lower quality.
In our Stihl 070 chainsaw review, we shared some other ways you can tell a real 070 apart from a fake.
I won’t go into detail again here (read the article for more), but here’s a summary:
- Flathead screws – OEM saws use flatheads, they won’t be rounded or oval.
- Stihl emboss – the Stihl name will be embossed onto basically every part of a real saw
- Serial number – a real serial number can be checked by a local Stihl dealer
- Stihl logo – the Stihl logo will be clean and crisp
These tests can be applied to all different Stihl models, not just the 070. However, it’s the 070 that is often copied the most because it is such a popular Stihl chainsaw.
Apparently they’re at the Ace Hardware in Manila. Hmmm. As of 10/24/24 they’re $1350 US.
Now to smuggle thru Customs, in salamis.